Performing Arts

Performing Arts Education

The Varnum Brook Elementary School and the Nissitissit Middle School Band Program provides students with a highly developed, research-based, academic curriculum dedicated to the study, performance and enjoyment of instrumental music. Students engaged in the VBES-NMS Band Program benefit from knowledge, skills, a learning process and experiences unobtainable from any other subject.

Music Learning Theory drives the Instrumental Music Performing Arts curriculum. Utilizing an apprenticeship teaching model, students sequentially learn the concepts and skills necessary to audiate, read, write, comprehend and perform music in solo and in various ensembles.

Students learn to communicate both audiated and notated music as a language; consisting of multiple elements that intertwine to form a particular composition, style or expression. Students continually experience and increasingly analyze a wide range of aural material intended to build extensive tonal and rhythmic vocabularies. The resulting musical vocabularies form a foundation of knowledge necessary for a lifetime of music literacy.

Precise, detailed, and constant attention is given to an individual’s technical development enabling the student to skillfully utilize his/her instrument as a means of self-expression and creativity. “Hands-on,” sequential and reinforced learning through the Band Program engages students in the creative process and the characteristics of music.

Through instrumental music study and performance, students develop increased self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, motivation, independence, teamwork skills, critical, analytical and reflective thinking skills, a sense of commitment, a sense of belonging, pride and accomplishment. Moreover, contemporary brain research and numerous other scientific studies affirm that long-term Instrumental Music classroom experiences develop skilled learners and enhance learning in other subjects.

Working in the Band Program instills a respect for excellence and high-performance standards in students. Learning through the Band Program shows students the connections between a quality process and a quality product.

Naturally, the VBES-NMS Band Program, a five-year curriculum, is designed to develop comprehensive musicianship in students and to prepare them for success in the North Middlesex Regional High School Band Program and beyond.

Selected Thoughts from Alumni:

Paul Scherlek
I grew up in the NM bands, I learned things like self-disapline, determination, and presistence among many other values. If it wasn’t for the NM Band family I would not be the person, nor the soldier I am today. I credit many of the values I bring to the battle field today with the experiences I was given yesterday. …

Sara Coole
(class of 03) When I look back, the things that I remember and really make me happy about those awkward years in middle school (at the time it was Varnum Brook, grades 4-8) was Band. No matter what I was playing, it taught me, and all of us involved, how to be part of something that was bigger than ourselves …

Peter Lundstrom
If it was not for the North Middlesex Regional Music Program, I would not be who i am today. Music has lifted me and many other people to unbelievable heights. I have made musical connections that will last a lifetime and ensure my musical success. I feel that it is necessary for me to thank the North Middlesex Regional Music Program for all it has provided for me.

Carol Matte Fennell
My son Jeff is in his second year of college with a major in Music Performance/Jazz Studies. With the dedication of Mr. Tellier, Lou Manetta, and Jason Bielek, it has given Jeff such a high level of leadership, discipline, determination, character…..the list goes on.
Please support to keep this vibrant program alive!…

Leslie Markham
Class of 2003: I started band back in my first year of Middle School at Varnum Brook. It was such a meaningful aspect of helping me identify and connect to myself as well as my classmates and the community. I remember that for those years, what truly brought me joy was when I picked up my instrument and began to play. In hindsight, I feel that I gained and learned so much from this program. I learned so many skills that have significantly allowed me to be successful today. Discipline, Focus, Team Work, and Motivation are among these great skills.

Tricia Urbanowski
The places you can go (and we have gone) with music: NM Band Concerts, NM Musicals, NM Extravaganza performances, NM Top 40 Performances, Nissitissit band concerts,Varnum Brook band concerts, MICCA competitions and when you win that coveted Gold Medal – Stars at Symphony Hall performances, New Hampshire Jazz Festivals,..